By: Emily Carter
Updated: Oct. 29, 2023
Originally Published: Nov. 15, 2017
Contraceptives are nothing short of revolutionary. They empower individuals—both women and men—by granting them control over family planning and reproductive health. These medical advancements not only save lives but are also crucial in addressing various health issues ranging from premenstrual dysphoric disorder to polycystic ovary syndrome. Truly, contraception is a modern miracle, and it deserves widespread appreciation.
However, the discourse around reproductive rights has become entangled in partisan politics, jeopardizing access to contraceptives. If we aren’t vigilant, we risk regressing women’s health and family planning to a time reminiscent of a century ago. This isn’t an exaggeration. As reported by the Washington Post, cuts to family planning funding could lead to a revival of health crises reminiscent of the 1920s.
Historically, birth control was illegal due to the 1873 Comstock Act, leading to countless women suffering from unsafe abortions and unwanted pregnancies during the early 20th century. The landmark Supreme Court decisions in the 1960s, such as Griswold v. Connecticut and Roe v. Wade, marked significant progress by affirming the legality of contraception and access to safe abortions. Yet, legality does not equate to accessibility.
Current political figures have expressed opposition to federal funding for contraception and deny the necessity for employers or the government to ensure widespread access to birth control. This perspective is troubling. It’s baffling that we are still debating women’s health rights in the 21st century—isn’t it time we moved past this?
Here are several reasons why publicly funded birth control is essential:
- Reducing Abortions: It’s straightforward—access to birth control significantly decreases unwanted pregnancies, which in turn lowers abortion rates. The Guttmacher Institute estimated that in 2015, publicly funded contraception prevented 1.9 million unintended pregnancies and 628,600 abortions. Supporting publicly funded birth control is, therefore, a pro-life stance.
- Environmental Impact: One of the most effective actions an individual can take to combat climate change is to have fewer children. More children lead to increased CO2 emissions, which negatively impacts our environment.
- Hypocrisy in Pro-Life Legislation: Those who advocate against contraceptive coverage often paradoxically support coverage for medications like erectile dysfunction pills. This inconsistency highlights a systemic sexism in policy-making. The focus on “saving babies” often ignores the welfare of living children and families in need.
- State Rights vs. Control: While some argue for states’ rights in regulating reproductive health, this often masks a desire for control. Variability in state policies can create barriers for women seeking necessary healthcare. Everyone deserves equal rights to healthcare, regardless of their location or financial situation.
- Broader Implications of Reproductive Rights: Reproductive rights extend beyond just the act of having children; they influence education, career prospects, and overall economic stability. A woman’s choice about when to have children can significantly impact her life trajectory. Additionally, investing in family planning saves taxpayers money. Research by NPR suggests that a $235 million investment in family planning can yield savings of $1.32 billion by preventing unintended pregnancies.
Ultimately, it’s crucial that we cultivate compassion and understanding for vulnerable populations, especially low-income women and teens. If empathy isn’t enough to persuade skeptics, perhaps the tangible benefits to society and taxpayers will resonate. Publicly funded birth control saves lives and reduces costs, making it a vital issue for everyone.
For more information on reproductive health, check out this comprehensive resource on pregnancy from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. And if you’re interested in exploring different family planning options, read about our artificial insemination kit here.
In summary, embracing publicly funded birth control is not just about women’s health; it has far-reaching implications for society as a whole. We must prioritize equitable access to reproductive healthcare for the betterment of all.